I need some input regarding concrete countertops

11 years ago

I am in the middle of a kitchen renovation. We ordered black honed granite for white shaker cabinets. Our home is a cape, farmhouse porch, not overdone country, but farmhouse like.

We are having trouble with our kitchen salesperson due to measuring errors, ordering the wrong style molding, and leaving me messages that she is out of the office for a week.

Tonight I learned upon calling her office (from her coworker) that she hasn't been out, and that she has been avoiding me as the granite people are going on vacation for the first week in August and they are back logged, so it may be some time before we get a countertop.

My builder does concrete countertops. What do you know about, and think about them? I can get my money back from the granite deposit......should I go with concrete?

Featured Answer

PRO

Cancork Floor Inc.

11 years ago

Concrete is a very specific "look" that you either love...or you hate. The finish is a "living" finish which means it will continue to crack/crackle as it ages. This is normal and to be not only excepted but happily expected as well (and when I say "HAPPILY" I mean you have to LOOK FORWARD to the changes). Even when sealed/epoxied, it can change colours, lightly stain or even "acid etch" depending on your finish. These events add "character" if you like that word. For other people they refer to these changes as "horrible" or "defective" or "nightmarish". It all depends on your point of view.

If the thought of a finish "changing" over time causes mild panic, then you should wait for what you want/ordered. We can't comment on what money you would get back if you change a counter top in mid-build. That is up to you and what is written in your contract. Chances are you will loose the "non-refundable" part...depending on the contract itself.

If the designer isn't answering the phone, you may have to do the ol' get over there and speak face to face.

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Comments (7)

Brandi Nash Hicks
11 years ago
Love concrete, go for it
Carol Johnson
11 years ago
Personally, I think concrete counters are very tricky. Professionally fabricated ones can be great. Homemade can have a high rate of issues. I've seen both & would never want the latter. Sonoma Cast Stone makes a great product, they are based in CA but ship tops everywhere.
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User
11 years ago
If you couldn't live with the stains and etches of marble, then you couldn't live with concrete doing the same. It's just as much trouble to live with as marble. Unless you coat it with plastic. And it's usually more expensive.
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
11 years ago
Very expensive, and require maintenance. They have to be sealed when installed and after that every 1-3 years and if improperly sealed, any liquid will cause a stain which you cannot remove...

With that said, there are many options available when it comes to countertops, which cost less, don't require maintenance, much better material and they perform much better in the kitchen.

Good luck
btydrvn
11 years ago
Personally I like to appreciate the imperfections..especially in a country ..farm feel home...granite and stone are pretty good for quality and durability but a little "fine" for a homey feel..concrete can be great but since it is a little new and unfamiliar to most it is difficult to deal with problems.. It also can feel a little industrial or contemporary and most people think they are a cheap solution so more iffy for resale...a good way to go (without seeing your kitchen )may be different materials in different areas..to support the farm feel as if it evolved over time..if it is not too late I think long expanses of counter should have a raised section where the height suits the function of that area ...all that being said pictures would invoke more suggestions ..more pertinent to your space
PRO
Urban West Design
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
In case you're still considering concrete counter tops, here's a good link for more information.

http://www.remodelista.com/posts/remodeling-101-concrete-kitchen-countertops